Second hike in petro prices adds fuel to opposition protest in parliament

New Delhi: Livid over the government hiking fuel prices for the second consecutive day, the opposition parties staged a noisy protest in the Well of the Lok Sabha forcing an adjournment of about half an hour. In the Rajya Sabha, some opposition MPs had given a notice for suspension of business to discuss the issue and forced adjournment of Zero Hour.

The MPs belonging to Congress and some allies staged a dharna in front of the Gandhi Statue and denounced the government decision. Some Congress activists took out a protest march outside the Parliament House.

Right from the start, various opposition MPs demanded a full-fledged discussion on the surging fuel prices and sought rollback, even as they trooped into the Well of the House waving placards saying 'End the Loot' and 'LPG cylinder now costs ₹1,000'. The Speaker repeatedly disapproved of the conduct.


Even though the Chair let the proceedings carry on during Question Hour, it only added to the protests and slogan-shouting. The Speaker then adjourned the House for about 30 minutes.

Talking to media persons outside Parliament House, the Congress leaders hit out at the government. AICC general secretary (Org) KC Venugopal said: "Immediately, after the election results, prices of gas, petrol, diesel, kerosene have been increased by the government for two consecutive days, and I think they will do the same tomorrow as well, on a day-to-day basis. It's nothing but cheating the people who are already in distress."

In the Rajya Sabha, Ram Gopal Yadav, Vishambhar Prasad (SP), Mallikarjun Kharge (Cong), Binoy Viswam (CPI), Shaktisinh Gohil, Syed Nasir Hussain, KC Venugopal (Congress) had given notice for suspension of business and discussion on the hike in prices of cooking gas, petrol, diesel, kerosene and essential commodities like pulses and edible oils. Soon after the House met for the day, Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu announced that this is "not an issue to be discussed under Rule 267".

As the protests continued, Naidu adjourned the House till noon. When the House assembled again, there was a mild protest from the opposition but deputy chairperson Harivansh went ahead with Question Hour and the proceedings took place without disruptions.